Thank you for your consideration
Formal business communication expression
Use this phrase to end professional requests where someone needs to make a decision about you.
In 15 Seconds
- A professional way to end an email or job application.
- Shows you respect the recipient's time and decision-making process.
- Best used when asking for a favor, job, or approval.
Meaning
A polite way to thank someone for spending time looking at your application, proposal, or request. It shows you value their effort in making a decision about you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Applying for a job
I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your consideration.
I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your consideration.
Submitting a project proposal
We believe this plan will double your sales. Thank you for your consideration.
We believe this plan will double your sales. Thank you for your consideration.
Asking for a scholarship
This opportunity would change my life. Thank you for your consideration.
This opportunity would change my life. Thank you for your consideration.
Cultural Background
In Western business etiquette, acknowledging the 'cost' of someone's time is a sign of respect. This phrase became a standard closer in the mid-20th century as corporate communication became more standardized. It is globally recognized in English-speaking professional environments as the most safe and polite way to end a request.
The 'Mic Drop' Rule
Use this as your final sentence before the sign-off (like 'Sincerely'). It leaves a lasting impression of professionalism.
Don't Repeat Yourself
Only use this phrase once per email. Using it at the beginning and the end makes you sound repetitive and robotic.
In 15 Seconds
- A professional way to end an email or job application.
- Shows you respect the recipient's time and decision-making process.
- Best used when asking for a favor, job, or approval.
What It Means
This phrase is a polite way to say "thanks for thinking about me." You use it when you have asked for something important. It shows you respect the other person's time and effort. It is like a professional "hat tip" at the end of a message. You are acknowledging that they have a choice to make.
How To Use It
Put this at the very end of your email or letter. It usually comes right before your name or sign-off. You can say Thank you for your consideration as a standalone sentence. It acts as a bridge to your final goodbye. It makes your request feel less demanding and more like a respectful ask. It is the perfect finishing touch for a professional message.
When To Use It
Use it when applying for a new job or internship. It is perfect for sending a business proposal to a client. If you are asking a professor for a recommendation, use it. It works whenever someone has to make a choice that affects you. It is the "polite armor" of the professional world. It keeps things smooth and respectful.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your family or your close friends. It sounds incredibly cold and robotic in your personal life. Imagine saying it after your friend buys you a slice of pizza. They would think you are being sarcastic or weirdly distant. Keep it for people you do not know well or in formal settings. Do not use it for small, instant favors.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking business cultures, people value their time very highly. By saying this, you acknowledge they are doing you a favor by just reading your email. It stems from old-fashioned formal letter-writing traditions. Today, it remains the standard for showing professional maturity. It signals that you understand the social rules of the office. It is a sign of a high-level communicator.
Common Variations
You might hear Thank you for your time and consideration. Some people prefer I appreciate your consideration for a softer touch. If you want to be slightly less formal, try Thanks for looking this over. For a very high-stakes situation, use Thank you for your kind consideration. Each version changes the "temperature" of the email slightly. Choose the one that fits your specific relationship with the reader.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly for formal or professional registers. Using it in a casual setting can make you seem cold or sarcastic.
The 'Mic Drop' Rule
Use this as your final sentence before the sign-off (like 'Sincerely'). It leaves a lasting impression of professionalism.
Don't Repeat Yourself
Only use this phrase once per email. Using it at the beginning and the end makes you sound repetitive and robotic.
The 'No' Buffer
Native speakers often use this even if they suspect the answer will be 'no.' It makes the rejection feel less awkward for both sides.
Examples
6I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your consideration.
I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your consideration.
This is the most common use, showing respect to the hiring manager.
We believe this plan will double your sales. Thank you for your consideration.
We believe this plan will double your sales. Thank you for your consideration.
Used here to show confidence while remaining polite to a potential client.
This opportunity would change my life. Thank you for your consideration.
This opportunity would change my life. Thank you for your consideration.
Adds a touch of sincerity to a formal academic request.
Can I have the last piece of cake? Thank you for your consideration.
Can I have the last piece of cake? Thank you for your consideration.
Using formal language for a silly request creates a humorous effect.
I look forward to discussing this further. Thank you for your consideration.
I look forward to discussing this further. Thank you for your consideration.
Maintains a high level of respect when contacting senior leadership.
Please let me know when the sink can be fixed. Thank you for your consideration.
Please let me know when the sink can be fixed. Thank you for your consideration.
Keeps the relationship professional and polite even when asking for a service.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to end a formal email to a potential employer.
I am excited about the possibility of joining your team. ___.
This phrase is the standard formal closing for job applications, whereas the others are too casual.
Complete the sentence to show you value the person's time.
I know you are busy, so ___ of my application.
'Thank you for your consideration' fits perfectly after acknowledging that the person is busy.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Thank You'
Used with friends and family.
Thanks!
Used with colleagues you know well.
Thank you.
Standard for business and applications.
Thank you for your consideration.
High-stakes legal or diplomatic use.
I remain grateful for your kind consideration.
Where to use 'Thank you for your consideration'
Job Application
Closing a cover letter.
Grant Proposal
Asking for funding.
Academic Request
Asking for a deadline extension.
Business Pitch
Sending a deck to an investor.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means you are thanking the person for taking the time to think about your request or application. It is a way to show you value their decision-making process.
It should go at the very end of your message, just before your closing (like Sincerely or Best regards). For example: ...Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, [Your Name].
If you are emailing a close colleague, yes, it might be too formal. In that case, Thanks for your help or Thanks for looking into this is better.
Usually, no. It is too formal for texting unless you are being intentionally funny or sarcastic with a friend.
You can try Thank you for your time and consideration or I appreciate your consideration of my application.
Yes, it is the most standard and recommended way to end a professional cover letter in English.
Not at all. It sounds confident and respectful. It shows you understand professional boundaries.
Yes, in a follow-up thank-you email, it is very common to say Thank you for your time and consideration today.
Usually, no. This is for the person making the request. If you are the service provider, say Thank you for your business instead.
Yes, it is widely used and accepted in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
No, it is a full sentence, so you should end it with a period (full stop). Then start a new line for your sign-off.
Yes, using Thanks instead of Thank you makes it slightly less formal, which is good for semi-professional emails.
Related Phrases
Thank you for your time
A slightly less formal way to acknowledge someone's effort.
I appreciate your interest
Used when someone has shown interest in your work or profile.
I look forward to hearing from you
A common way to prompt a response after a formal request.
Thank you for the opportunity
Used specifically when you have been given a chance to interview or pitch.
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